We work at the Kingstec Campus Learning Centre in Kentville, Nova Scotia. We're a non-profit child care centre, and we follow Reggio philosophy.

The presentation I gave today was about the teaching abilities and the exemplary ways that Sarah Marshall connects with her children in her preschool classroom, and just the ways that she creates wonder. With the environment we are in, Sarah uses a lot of repurposed materials because we're not a wealthy centre, and she is continually checking out websites and books to further her own ideas and her own education. So I would strongly recommend just continue being a learner along with your children.

She loves the nature that we live in, and wants to connect children to nature. She believes that we don't have enough opportunity, even though we live in a very beautiful part of the world, that children are outside enough, that they aren't understanding their world, and she likes to get them out and use the outside as their – as her classroom. She is a wonderful educator who mentors the rest of the staff, and it's just wonderful to – to accept it on her behalf, that she's getting the acknowledgment that she deserves.

In conversation with Sarah, I know that Sarah is very thankful to the families and the children that she works with daily at the Kingstec Campus Learning Centre. I know she's also thankful to her co-workers and the nominating group who nominated her. She has a great love for the students that we work with, the children, the families, and everyone is part of her working environment, and I know she'd want to thank them.

Teacher: If I told you that Teacher Sarah won a really cool award, what would you like to say to her?

Certificate of Excellence Recipient

Type of setting: Community College with Early Childhood Education program, children aged 0 to 5 years

Have you ever thought of using your head to paint? This educator has. Providing students with the materials they need for their wonderful ideas, every day is an exciting new journey as Sarah Marshall guides students to explore their creative sides.

Philosophy of care

A partner to children as they explore the world, Marshall draws inspiration from nature to develop engaging activities for her students. Embracing a Reggio-approach, she uses open-ended questions and collaborates with students on projects to make their visions come to life and allowing them to express themselves creatively.

Support of child development

From helmets equipped with a paint brush, to shipping tubes to make tunnels for their cars, Marshall takes everyday materials and turns them into engaging activities

Looking to repurpose shelving and cardboard, Marshall created an art studio in her classroom allowing for students to each have their own station.

Marshall played a leadership role in reconfiguring the preschool, creating an open learning environment for the children and facilitating shared learning among educators.

Involvement with parents, families and the community

Marshall was part of an initiative to create relationships with other local Reggio-inspired centres within the community. She also facilitated joint workshops with other centres to share in learning about Forest and Nature Schools.

Marshall understands that parents want to feel part of their child's day and takes the time to write detailed stories to tell them about daily activities, what inspired the children and what kind of skills they learned or displayed.

Rave reviews

"The most important characteristic Sarah brings as an educator of early childhood development is an enthusiasm and passion for children. This goes well beyond enjoying being with children. It means wanting to make a difference to each and every child."

Executive director

"It is evident in the bonds and relationships between Sarah and the children that they have responded and accepted the support and feelings of safety that she has provided."